WarnerMedia & Canadian Academy Team for Writers Program

The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television and WarnerMedia have aligned for a talent activation initiative focused on experienced Canadian writers from underrepresented communities.

The WarnerMedia x Canadian Academy Global Access Writers Program is now open for submissions through December 18. The initiative is offered in English and French to storytellers of all genders, abilities and identities from underrepresented communities in Canada, including members of Indigenous, Black, racialized groups, people with disabilities, LGBTQ2+ and Francophone minority communities.

Over a period of roughly nine months, the 8 to 12 applicants selected will have the opportunity to hone their artistry, gain deeper industry knowledge and experience invaluable exposure to WarnerMedia executives, creators and established industry professionals, as well as workshop an unfinished script into a viable draft.

Following the closure of submissions on December 18, WarnerMedia and the Canadian Academy will conduct internal, peer and juried reviews to determine the eight to 12 participants of the program. The inaugural class of the WarnerMedia x Canadian Academy Global Access Writers Program will begin in June 2021.

“We recognize that underrepresented writers in Canada have a broad spectrum of industry experience,” said Deanna Cadette, executive director of WarnerMedia’s Global Access Programs-Canada. “With these initiatives, we look forward to bringing together a variety of backgrounds and, along with our incredible partners at the Academy, aim to create space and opportunity for these individuals to step into their excellence.”

“Talent development programs focused on inclusivity often prioritize emerging talent, however, this program will spotlight working writers who have not yet been given the resources to develop their own ideas,” said Beth Janson, CEO of the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television. “We are excited to work with homegrown writers whose ideas have so often been undervalued in our industry, and are thrilled to be collaborating with WarnerMedia on this program; we look forward to bringing it to life together.”